Red River crest prediction lowered in Fargo, ND

FARGO, N.D. (AP) ? Officials in Fargo, N.D., say they may scale back flood protection efforts as the National Weather Service has lowered the Red River crest prediction.

The National Weather Service's updated forecast showed Wednesday that the river is likely to crest late next week between 38 and 40 feet, down a couple of feet from earlier predictions.

Forecasters say an ideal melt cycle and lack of significant precipitation lead to the improved forecast.

The river overflows its banks at 18 feet, but most structures in Fargo are protected without additional measures to about 38 feet. If it reaches 38 feet, Fargo would need to build dikes for 117 homes.

Fargo officials say there's still work to be done, but the number of sandbags needed could drop from 1.8 million to about 400,000.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/red-river-crest-prediction-lowered-fargo-nd-194536156.html

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